The format of Two Guys… is intriguing. It’s a show comprised of three individual efforts, with no collaboration to speak of. The fact that the three performers never share the stage seems like such a waste – after all, it’s assumed that they’re friends, socially and professionally, enabling one to presume some scope for banter and repartee. Nothing of the sort ever crops up, however. While hardly a make-or-break issue, it’s worth considering the following: Petersen, Hoffman and Bok had a show, a platform all to themselves – a veritable feast of possibilities – and opted to recreate the same vibe as your standard comedy night about town. To reiterate, it feels like a waste.
In terms of podium placings, Sam Petersen takes the gold. A performer brimming with natural charisma, Petersen encounteres no problems in charming his audience. With more than a dash of honest, self-depricating humor spiking his set, you can’t help but find Petersen somewhat endearing.
Meanwhile, Lauren Bok and Roland Hoffman share silver. While nowhere near awful, consistency is the obvious issue for each performer. Bok’s ukulele stylings serve as a sweet surprise and a nice change of pace, though her anecdotal material may benefit from some revision. There’s the sense that her stories are born from in-jokes and strictly personal situations, each translated poorly for audiences. Hoffman, on the other hand, bears his own share of quirks as a stand-up. He is easily perturbed when his jokes earn a less-than-rapturous response. It’s difficult to surrender yourself to stand-up comedy when the performer appears unsettled – such is the case with Roland Hoffman.
Overall, it’s clear that comedians Sam Petersen, Roland Hoffman and Lauren Bok are still developing as performers. An enjoyable show, if a little hit-and-miss at times, Two Guys, a Girl and a Microphone is bound to serve as an important checkpoint in each of their comic careers.
